The Springboks delivered their most complete performance of the series when it mattered most, beating the All Blacks 43-28 in Baltimore to seal a historic 3-1 series victory in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
South Africa led 17-14 at half-time before taking complete control after the break, producing a powerful 26-14 second-half performance to pull away from New Zealand.
In front of a record 68,173 spectators at M&T Bank Stadium, the Springboks outscored the All Blacks six tries to four as several players produced outstanding individual displays.
Scrumhalf Morne van den Berg was the standout performer, earning man-of-the-match honours after an influential display that included a try and a conversion.
Springboks player ratings
Morne van den Berg — 9/10
A superb performance from Van den Berg after being handed the starting scrumhalf role. He controlled the tempo brilliantly, defended with aggression and scored an excellent try. He also showed his versatility by taking over the kicking duties late in the match.
A genuine match-winning display.
Kurt-Lee Arendse — 8/10
Arendse was a constant threat whenever he had the ball in his hands. His ability to exploit gaps in the All Blacks defence created problems throughout the contest, while his individual try was one of the highlights of the afternoon.
Another dangerous performance from the Springbok wing.
Damian de Allende — 8/10
The veteran centre once again brought plenty of physicality to the midfield. De Allende worked tirelessly for the full 80 minutes, carrying hard, defending aggressively and finishing a well-worked try.
A typically committed performance.
Jasper Wiese — 8/10
Wiese produced another powerful display as his influence continued to grow throughout the series. His relentless carrying gave South Africa valuable momentum, while his physicality helped the Springboks dominate the forward exchanges.
He saved one of his best performances of the series for the finale.
Malcolm Marx — 8/10
Marx was immense in the tight exchanges and at the breakdown, providing the physical edge that has become synonymous with his game. He also scored from a powerful rolling maul as the Springboks began to establish control.
His performances throughout the series once again underlined his status as one of the world’s leading hookers.
Springboks dominate the scoring
South Africa’s six tries came through Damian de Allende, Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cameron Hanekom.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed two conversions and a penalty, while Van den Berg and Manie Libbok also added conversions.
New Zealand’s four tries were scored by Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder and Beauden Barrett, with Damian McKenzie converting all four.
Final score
Springboks 43-28 All Blacks
Half-time: 17-14
Springboks tries: Damian de Allende, Morne van den Berg, Malcolm Marx, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cameron Hanekom
Conversions: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (2), Morne van den Berg, Manie Libbok (2)
Penalty: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
All Blacks tries: Codie Taylor, Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder, Beauden Barrett
Conversions: Damian McKenzie (4)
The Springboks have now finished the series in style, with Van den Berg, Arendse and several of their forwards playing starring roles in a memorable victory over their greatest rivals.
